Dear Editor,
I met Michelle Aisthorpe in September 2005, when my daughter Kierstin began first grade’gone all day for the first time away from Mom. My first impression of Mrs. A. put me at ease immediately. We were transferred from a different school and Mrs. Aisthorpe was too. With a familiar face and a smile we became part of a privileged group simply known as Team 127.
Mrs. Aisthorpe’s benevolence was clear from the beginning. Her resourceful skills were young and fresh’important in my opinion for first graders. That was only the fourth year of teaching for this gracious young teacher. Her kind, compassionate strength has gently guided my daughter and many others straight through first and now second grade.
We are still excited to be part of Team 127!
Our coach takes her responsibilities seriously. She is careful and reassuring during new situations yet mindful of a diverse group of second graders. She is patient and kind and to me heaven-sent! I’ve been able to see this first hand in the classroom while volunteering.
My daughter aspires to be just like her teacher. Her goal is to be a zookeeper but she will tell you, ‘if I can’t I’ll be a teacher just like Mrs. A?. Kierstin has even assumed some of Mrs. Aisthorpe’s wonderful qualities and mannerisms.
I can’t help but tease sometimes because they remind me so much of each other. This is definitely a co-parenting situation, just ask my husband Craig, who said very early on ‘trusting her is easy, it’s all in her smile?.
This month Clarkston Community Schools will announce their ‘Teacher of the Year? and I had planned on nominating Mrs. Aisthorpe because I truly believe she is teacher of the year.
Unfortunately, I’ve dropped the ball and missed the deadline to turn in the nomination packet. While waiting to turn in the forms I asked a few people to help with the nomination process and they gladly agreed to help. The following is from my eight year old, unpretentious daughter to her favorite teacher.

We were unable to turn in a late nomination. So I wrote this letter to acknowledge and honor a humble, intelligent teacher, whose loving nature has helped shape my little girl into a polite and kind humanitarian. I have no doubt one day she will make Mrs. A and I proud by becoming a teacher or a zookeeper.
To you, Michelle Aisthorpe, I am truly thankful to know you and am sorry that I missed that deadline and am unable to provide you with a free car for a year or classroom grants. We hope this lets you know how wonderful you are. May you always know you have a very bright star shinning in the night sky urging you onward to sunny days and happiness forever! We appreciate you and can’t thank you enough for all you do. God bless you’Go State!
Brandi Dwire
Independence Township

Mrs. Aisthorpe is caring, kind and helpful. She is my key to learning. She makes me feel I can do it all. She always has time to tell me if I need to work on something or if I’m doing great.
She makes learning fun!
She makes time to work with everyone and she does it all with a smile. She gives us many examples so we understand what we need to do. She makes every subject fun! I’ve been happy for two years because she was my first and second grade teacher. These are a few reasons why I want to nominate Mrs. Aisthorpe for teacher of the year. She’s a super second grade teacher!
? Kierstin Dwire